Gathering data concerning publication usage

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for measuring and gathering data relating to publication usage by participants in publication readership studies. Some methods and systems employ portable monitors carried by participants of the studies along with publications fitted with various devices, such as piezoelectric transducers, RFID tags and others devices and circuits.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/554,560, filed Mar. 19, 2004, assigned to theassignee of the present invention and hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns methods and systems for gathering data onthe usage of publications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of methods are available to track automatically consumerexposure to certain types of media, including television and radio.Television and radio employ receivable transmissions, whether visual,audible or otherwise electronically receivable, and thus are well-suitedfor measurement via electronic devices.

Other forms of consumer activity, however, do not employ such types oftransmissions and thus are not readily measurable. In particular,consumer publication reading activity, including reading of magazines,newspapers, books, etc., is technologically inert. Currently, libraries,book stores and other commercial establishments that sell books andother types of publications employ radio frequency identificationdevices (RFIDs) as a way of preventing theft of such items. However, theactual purchase, renting or borrowing of a publication itself isinsufficient information to identify or otherwise ascertain whether thepublication has been read, or has been read multiple times, or toidentify other useful information regarding the consumer's usage of thatpublication.

In view of the foregoing, publication usage tracking has heretoforeprincipally entailed the use of consumer surveys and diaries, whereconsumers manually record or otherwise identify (e.g., during telephoneinterviews) their readership activity. Unfortunately, surveys anddiaries are labor-intensive, intrusive to everyday life, and prone toeither intentional and/or inadvertent misreporting.

It is desired, therefore, to seek ways of gathering data relating topublication usage that are easy to implement, error-resistant andminimally invasive to consumers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For this application the following terms and definitions shall apply:

The term “publication” as used herein means one or more of a pluralityof physical objects disseminated publicly or privately to convey data inprinted form to persons, and includes but is not limited to, magazines,newspapers, mailings, catalogs, books, pamphlets, programs, advertisingand promotional materials.

The term “data” as used herein means any indicia, signals, marks,symbols, domains, symbol sets, representations, and any other physicalform or forms representing information, whether permanent or temporary,whether visible, audible, acoustic, electric, magnetic, electromagneticor otherwise manifested. The term “data” as used to representpredetermined information in one physical form shall be deemed toencompass any and all representations of the same predeterminedinformation in a different physical form or forms.

The terms “media data” and “media” as used herein mean data, other thanpublications, which is widely accessible, whether over-the-air, or viacable, satellite, network, internetwork (including the Internet),displayed, distributed on storage media, or by any other means ortechnique that is humanly perceptible, without regard to the form orcontent of such data, and including but not limited to audio, video,text, images, animations, databases, datasets, broadcasts, displays,signs, signals, web pages and streaming media data.

The term “network” as used herein includes both networks andinternetworks of all kinds, including the Internet, and is not limitedto any particular network or inter-network.

The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish one element, set,data, object, step, process, activity or thing from another, and are notused to designate relative position or arrangement in time, unlessotherwise stated explicitly.

The terms “deformation”, “deformed” and “deform” as used herein mean achange of shape or form or the act of changing a shape or form, of apublication or portion thereof, whether permanent or temporary, andwhether destructive or non-destructive.

The terms “coupled”, “coupled to”, and “coupled with” as used hereineach mean a relationship between or among two or more devices,apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks, systems,subsystems, and/or means, constituting any one or more of (a) aconnection, whether direct or through one or more other devices,apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks, systems,subsystems, or means, (b) a communications relationship, whether director through one or more other devices, apparatus, files, programs, media,components, networks, systems, subsystems, or means, and/or (c) afunctional relationship in which the operation of any one or moredevices, apparatus, files, programs, media, components, networks,systems, subsystems, or means depends, in whole or in part, on theoperation of any one or more others thereof.

The terms “communicate,” “communicating” and “communication” as usedherein include both conveying data from a source to a destination, anddelivering data to a communications medium, system, device or link to beconveyed to a destination.

The term “processor” as used herein means processing devices, apparatus,programs, circuits, components, systems and subsystems, whetherimplemented in hardware, software or both.

The terms “storage,” “data storage” and “memory” as used herein meandata storage devices, apparatus, programs, circuits, systems, subsystemsand storage media serving to retain data, whether on a temporary orpermanent basis, and to provide such retained data.

The term “database” as used herein means an organized body of relateddata, regardless of the manner in which the data or the organized bodythereof is represented. For example, the organized body of related datamay be in the form of a table, a map, a grid, a packet, a datagram, afile, a document, a list or in any other form.

The term “location” as used herein refers to a position relative to anyframe of reference such as a facility, residence, train, aircraft,automobile, or other structure, conveyance, place or thing, whetherfixed or in motion, or relative to a coordinate system such as latitudeand longitude.

The term “disposition data” as used herein refers to data representinglocation, change in location, motion, speed, velocity, movement and/oracceleration.

The terms “panelist,” “respondent” and “participant” are interchangeablyused herein to refer to a person who is, knowingly or unknowingly,participating in a study to gather information, whether by electronic,survey or other means, about that person's behavior or activity orexposure to media and/or publications.

The term “position signal” as used herein means a signal from which aposition can be derived, either in absolute or relative terms, with orwithout the use of additional position signals.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method isprovided for gathering data concerning usage of a publication by aperson. The method comprises providing usage data representing usage ofa publication by a person; storing the usage data in storage in or onthe publication; and communicating the stored usage data from thestorage upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a systemis provided for gathering data concerning usage of a publication by aperson. The system comprises a data source in or on the publication andoperative to provide usage data representing usage of the publication bya person; storage in or on the publication operative to store the usagedata; and a communications device operative to store the stored usagedata from the storage upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of systems used to gather data inaccordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a publication containing apiezoelectric transducer in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a publication containing afoldable flap in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a publication having a cover on orin which a piezoelectric transducer is placed in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIG. 4 a is another schematic illustration of a publication having apiezoelectric transducer in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a further schematic illustration of a publication inaccordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 5 a is yet another schematic illustration of a publication inaccordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a publication having accelerationdetectors in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a publication having a detachablecard insert in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a portable monitor used withcertain embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram showing data sensors and a wirelesstransmitter used with a publication in accordance with certainembodiments.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of systems used to produce asignature in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 11 is another schematic illustration of systems in accordance withcertain embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a further schematic illustration of systems in accordancewith certain embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of a main module in accordancewith certain embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of a portable monitor used withcertain embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a data gathering process employedin certain embodiments.

FIG. 16 is another flow chart illustrating a data gathering processemployed in certain embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a further flow chart illustrating a data gathering processemployed in certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN ADVANTAGEOUS EMBODIMENTS

The present invention pertains to gathering data concerning or relatingto publication usage. In the various embodiments described, publicationsare fitted with one or more electronic devices and external devices areoperable to gather useful information about how the fitted publicationsare utilized. In certain embodiments described below, panelistsparticipating in a publication usage study carry portable monitors thatgather information relating to publication usage and the portablemonitors thereafter download or otherwise transfer the gatheredinformation to a centralized processor for use in producing usefulreports concerning publication usage (e.g., by a market researchcompany). Those reports may embody demographics of the panelists alongwith the publication usage activity of those panelists. In certain otherembodiments, also described below, one or more data collection devicesnot generally associated with panelists gather information relating topublication usage and thereafter supply the gathered information to acentralized processor for further handling.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates severalembodiments of systems used to gather data concerning usage of apublication 20 by a participant in a publication usage study. Theparticipant carries a portable monitor 24 on his/her person which isoperative to receive and store and/or communicate publication usage dataconcerning the participant's usage of publication 20. The publicationusage data corresponds to or is based on data wirelessly communicatedfrom a wireless transmitter 28 in or on the publication 20.

In certain embodiments, the wireless transmitter 28 is affixed to orcarried by a cover 21 of the publication 20, as illustrated in FIG. 1.In certain embodiments, the wireless transmitter 28 is affixed to orcarried by or within a binding or spine 32 of the publication 20. Incertain embodiments, the wireless transmitter 28 is affixed to orcarried by or in a page, card or other internal component of thepublication 20. Certain embodiments employ a plurality of wirelesstransmitters to communicate data to the portable monitor 24.

In certain embodiments, the wireless transmitter 28 is a radio frequency(RF) transmitter operating at one or more frequencies selected in arange up to microwave frequencies. In other embodiments, the wirelesstransmitter 28 transmits infrared, visible light or acoustic energy.

In certain embodiments, usage data is communicated from wirelesstransmitter 28 to a data collection device or system 36 instead of or inaddition to portable monitor 24. In certain ones of such embodiments,the wireless transmitter 28 communicates with a base station (e.g.,system 36) located in a participant's household (e.g., mounted on awall, placed on a desk, etc.) to convey data pertaining to thepublication. In certain other embodiments, the base station is disposedwithin a commercial establishment, such as book store or library. Forthese embodiments employing a base station, the base stationcommunicates the conveyed data to a centralized processor (not shown forpurposes of simplicity and clarity) in order to enable preparation ofreports concerning publication usage. Advantageously, the base stationis of the kind disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,276 in the names ofBrooks, et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application andincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

For various embodiments employing a portable monitor, the portablemonitor transfers the gathered data to the data collection device orsystem 36, which in turn transfers the data to the above-mentioned (ordifferent) centralized processor to enable preparation of reportsconcerning publication usage.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a publication usagedata producing system which serves to produce data concerning usage of apublication 40 by a participant in a publication usage study. In theFIG. 2 embodiment, a piezoelectric transducer 44 is affixed to orcarried by a page 48 of the publication 40. When the page 48 of thepublication 40 is flexed, as by turning page 48, the piezoelectrictransducer 44 is also flexed so that it produces an electrical signalwhich it provides at leads 52 and 54. Leads 52 and 54 are connected witha wireless transmitter 58 which responds by transmitting a wirelesssignal containing data based on the output of the piezoelectrictransducer 44, for reception by a portable monitor such as monitor 24 ofFIG. 1, data collection device 36 or a different data collector.

In certain embodiments, the transducer 44 comprises a piezoelectricpolymer film on or in the page 48, so that as page 48 is flexed the filmis stressed to produce a corresponding electrical signal supplied byleads 52 and 54 to wireless transmitter 58. Wireless transmitter 58 incertain embodiments processes the signal, for example, to suppressnoise. In other embodiments, the wireless transmitter 58 communicatesthe signal essentially as is to a monitor or data collector. In certainembodiments, the transducer 44 supplies power to enable the transmitter58 to transmit its wireless signal.

In certain embodiments, multiple pages of a publication are fitted witha transducer 44 and wireless transmitter 58 (for convenience, alsocalled “transducer/transmitter” herein). Each transducer/transmitter isdesigned to transmit a respectively different signal so that the datacollector is able to distinguish between each transmission and toidentify the particular page or pages turned. In certain embodiments,only select pages of a publication are fitted with atransducer/transmitter, such as every other page, every third page, etc.In certain embodiments, the first page (alternatively, second page, lastpage, etc.) of each section of a publication is provided with atransducer/transmitter. In further certain embodiments, multiple pagesof a publication are fitted with a respective transducer 44, and each ofthe transducers is coupled to a single wireless transmitter (e.g.,transmitter 58) disposed within the publication. Depending on theparticular transducer that is activated, the wireless transmittertransmits data representative of the particular page of the publicationthat was turned.

A motion detector, such as accelerometer 55, is provided in certainembodiments to detect motion of the publication indicating that it maybe in use. The motion detector provides an enable signal to transmitter58 when the motion detector detects sufficient motion to infer that thepublication is in use, and the transmitter 58 is thereupon enabled totransmit its signal. In certain embodiments, the motion detector is usedin conjunction with transducer 44 whereby both the transducer and themotion detector must be “activated” to enable transmitter 58 to transmita signal. In alternative embodiments, transmitter 58 transmits a signalif one or both devices are activated. In certain other embodiments, themotion detector is employed without the transducer.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic illustration of a publication 62 having apage 66 including an outer flap 72 folded back on the sample of a page66 to conceal content, such as an advertisement, or to contain afragrance. Flap 72 is affixed to page 66 in a region 76 by a lightadhesive which permits the flap 72 to be separated by a reader from thepage 66 without damaging either the flap 72 or the page 66. Apiezoelectric transducer 80 comprising a piezoelectric element, such asa piezoelectric polymer film, sandwiched between page 66 and region 76is subjected to stress when flap 72 is separated from page 66. Inresponse to the stress the transducer 80 produces an electrical signalwhich it provides to a wireless transmitter 84 coupled thereto by leads88 and 92. Wireless transmitter 84 either processes the signal andtransmits it wirelessly or else communicates it substantially as is to amonitor or data collector. In certain embodiments, the transducer 80supplies power to enable the transmitter 84 to transmit its wirelesssignal.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a publication 100 having a cover 102 onwhich a piezoelectric transducer is placed to detect that a reader'shand has grasped the publication 100, in order to indicate usagethereof. The piezoelectric transducer comprises a piezoelectric polymerfilm 104 in or on a substantial portion of the cover of publication 100.In certain embodiments the film 104 is used to detect the stress causedby grasping the publication, while in others it serves to detect atemperature change due to heat from the reader's fingers. In certainembodiments a piezoelectric sensor comprises a ceramic element.

In certain advantageous embodiments, the film 104 is used to detect bothstress and body heat in order to improve the likelihood of correctlydetecting grasping of the publication by a user. Since the electricalsignal produced by the film in response to body heat differs from thatproduced due to the stress of grasping the publication, the two effectscan be separately detected, for example, based on the frequency contentof the signal produced by the film 104.

The film 104 is coupled with a wireless transmitter 108 via leads 112and 116 to supply its electrical signal thereto. In certain embodiments,the leads 112 and 116 comprise electrically conductive media, such asconductive ink, disposed on the cover. In certain embodiments,transmitter 108 processes the signal, for example, to reduce noise orelse to detect components therein indicating stress and/or temperaturechange. The transmitter 108 either wirelessly transmits the processedsignal to a monitor or other data collector, or transmits the signalreceived from the transducer substantially unchanged. In certainembodiments, the film 104 supplies power to enable the transmitter 108to transmit its wireless signal.

In certain embodiments, a proximity sensor, such as film 104, isdesigned to detect the proximity of a person in the vicinity of thepublication. In certain embodiments, proximity is detected by electricfield effects that are produced by a person's body. In certainembodiments, proximity is detected through alteration of an electriccharacteristic of the sensor. In yet other embodiments, proximity isdetected based on thermal energy received by the transducer in or on thepublication. In certain embodiments, the piezoelectric polymer filmdetects body heat due to the presence of a person, with or withoutdetecting grasping of the publication by the person. In each of theseembodiments, the transmitter wirelessly transmits data indicative of theparticular activity by the person.

FIG. 4A schematically illustrates a package 103 containing a publication(not shown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) on which apiezoelectric transducer 105 is placed. The piezoelectric transducer 105comprises a piezoelectric polymer film in or on the package 103. Thefilm detects the stress resulting from removing the package 103 from thepublication.

The transducer 105 is coupled with a wireless transmitter 109 via leads113 and 115 to supply its electrical signal thereto. In certainembodiments, the leads 113 and 115 comprise electrically conductivemedia, such as conductive ink, disposed on the cover. In certainembodiments, transmitter 109 processes the signal, for example, toreduce noise or else to detect components therein indicating stressand/or temperature change. The transmitter 109 either wirelesslytransmits the processed signal to a monitor or other data collector, ortransmits the signal received from the transducer substantiallyunchanged. In certain embodiments, the transducer 105 supplies power toenable the transmitter 109 to transmit its wireless signal.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a publication 120 open at a page 122. Awireless transmitter 124 is disposed in or on the page 122 and isoperative to transmit a signal wirelessly indicating usage of thepublication by opening it at page 122. A page 126 of publication 120faces page 122. A device 128 is disposed in or on page 126 andpositioned so that it is brought sufficiently close to wirelesstransmitter 124 when pages 122 and 124 are closed against one another.In this position, device 128 interacts wirelessly with transmitter 124to establish a first state of transmitter 124. When pages 122 and 126are separated from one another upon opening the publication betweenthese pages, a second state of transmitter 124 is established. Incertain embodiments, transmitter 124 is maintained in a non-transmitmode when in its first state, but switches to a transmit mode when inits second state. In such embodiments, a portable monitor or other datacollector receives a transmission from transmitter 124 as an indicationthat the publication 120 is open at page 122 and/or page 126. In otherembodiments, transmitter 124 transmits different data in its two modesso that the portable monitor or other data collector can determinewhether the publication 120 has been opened at pages 122 and 126.

In certain embodiments, a motion detector, such as an accelerometer 125,is included in or on the publication to detect motion of thepublication. The motion detector is coupled with the transmitter 124 toprovide an enabling signal thereto when sufficient motion of thepublication is detected to indicate that it may be in use. Upon receiptof such enabling signal, transmitter 124 is enabled to transmit.

In certain embodiments, wireless transmitter 124 comprises an RFID taghaving an antenna circuit wirelessly coupled with the device 128 whenpages 122 and 126 are closed on one another. In various ones of suchembodiments the device 128 comprises a circuit coupled with the antennacircuit of transmitter 124 to detune it when in close proximity. Inother such embodiments, device 128 acts as an RF shield to attenuate RFenergy received by or transmitted from the transmitter 124. Device 128in various embodiments is formed by printing or placing one or morelayers of conductive inks, foils or other conductive materials on thepage 126. These techniques enable various circuit components, such asinductors and capacitors, to be produced on the publication bydepositing one or more layers of conductive materials with insulatinglayers, as appropriate.

FIG. 5A schematically illustrates a variant of the embodiments of FIG.5, wherein corresponding elements have the same reference numerals. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 5A a wireless transmitter 132 is coupled with afirst device 130 on page 126 via lead 134 and with a second device 138on page 122 via lead 136. Devices 130 and 138 are positioned on theirrespective pages so that when pages 122 and 126 are closed on oneanother, devices 130 and 138 are coupled with one another wirelessly toestablish a first state of transmitter 132, while when pages 126 and 122are opened sufficiently, devices 130 and 138 become decoupled toestablish a second state of transmitter 132. The two states oftransmitter 132 are used in the same manner as in the embodiment of FIG.5 to determine whether the publication 120 has been opened at pages 122and 126.

In certain embodiments, devices 130 and 138 are conductive patternsestablishing a capacitive coupling when pages 122 and 126 are closed. Incertain embodiments, devices 130 and 138 form respective inductorsinductively coupled with one another when pages 122 and 126 are closed.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a publication 140 open at first andsecond pages 142 and 146. A first acceleration detector 144 ispositioned in or on first page 142, while a second acceleration detectoris positioned in or on second page 146. A differential accelerationdetector 150 is coupled with each of acceleration detectors 144 and 148to detect a difference between their output signals in order todetermine that the pages have been moved relative to one another,indicating that pages 142 and 146 have either been opened or closed bythe reader. In certain embodiments, the differential accelerationdetector 150 is positioned in or on the publication 140, and eitherincorporates a wireless transmitter to communicate detected data to aportable monitor or other data collector or is coupled with a separatewireless transmitter for this purpose. In other embodiments, thedifferential acceleration detector is incorporated in the portablemonitor or other data collector, and the outputs of detectors 144 and148 are wirelessly transmitted thereto by one or more wirelesstransmitters in or on publication 140.

In certain embodiments, both acceleration detectors 144 and 148 arepositioned on the same page but at differing distances from a binding154 of the publication 140. In certain embodiments, one of theacceleration detectors is positioned in or one the binding 154 or in oron a cover of the publication 140.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a publication 160 having a card insert164 affixed between two pages of the publication 160 and having a firstportion 168 detachably affixed to a second portion 172 permanentlyaffixed to the publication. First portion 168 of card insert 164 may bedetached from second portion 172 along a perforated or otherwiseweakened portion 174 by a publication user and used to submit an inquiryby mail or other physical delivery regarding a product or service, or tootherwise provide or request information from another.

A wireless transmitter 176 is disposed in or on the removable firstportion 168 and is coupled with a device 178 in or on the second portion172 so long as the first and second portions remain attached. Once thereader detaches the first portion 168 from the second portion 172, thedevice 178 is uncoupled from the wireless transmitter 176. The wirelesstransmitter 176 has a first state which is maintained so long as thefirst and second portions are attached and device 178 is thus coupledwith wireless transmitter 176, and a second state established uponseparation of the first and second portions and the consequentuncoupling of device 178 from wireless transmitter 176. In certainembodiments, transmitter 176 is maintained in an inactive mode when inits first state, but switches to an active mode when in its secondstate. In such embodiments, a portable monitor or other data collectorreceives a transmission from transmitter 176 as an indication that thefirst portion 168 has been removed from the publication 160. In certainother embodiments, transmitter 176 transmits in its first state andceases transmitting when it switches to its second state. In certainembodiments, transmitter 176 transmits different data in its two statesso that the portable monitor or other data collector can determinewhether the first portion 168 has been removed from the publication 160

In certain embodiments, device 178 is conductively coupled withtransmitter 176, such that upon separation of portions 168 and 172 thisconnection is broken. In certain ones of such embodiments, device 178 isa jumper maintaining a connection between two points in a controlcircuit of transmitter 176. In certain ones of such embodiments, device178 constitutes a control circuit. In certain embodiments, device 178 isan electromagnetic deflector. In certain other embodiments, device 178is a destructive interference circuit. In certain other embodiments,device 178 is an attenuation circuit. In certain other embodiments,device 178 is a detuning circuit.

In certain embodiments, the wireless transmitter 176 is positioned in oron portion 172, while the device 178 is positioned in or on portion 168.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a portable monitor 200 having anenclosure 208 having a size and shape selected so that portable monitor200 may be carried on the person of a participant in a publication usagestudy. Portable monitor 200 comprises a portable monitor interface 212for communicating data to and from the monitor 200. The interface 212includes a wireless receiver (not shown for purposes of simplicity andclarity) operative to receive wireless transmissions from wirelesstransmitters in or on publications, such as one or more of transmitters28, 58, 84, 124,132 and 176. The portable monitor 200 stores thereceived data or data based thereon at 216 for later downloading viainterface 212 (or other interface) to a centralized processor (not shownfor purposes of simplicity and clarity), or communicates such datawithout prior storage, for producing reports concerning usage ofpublications.

In certain embodiments, monitor 200 includes circuitry 220 whichproduces an activation signal which is wirelessly transmitted by theinterface 212 to one or more wireless transceivers in a publication toactivate them to transmit data. In certain ones of such embodiments,circuitry 220 and interface 212 collectively operate as an RFID tagreader. Since RFID technology and RFID tag readers are well known in theart, further description of their design and operation are not providedherein.

In certain embodiments, the monitor 200 includes circuitry 224 forproducing location data indicating a location of the participantcarrying the portable monitor 200. Such location data is produced invarious embodiments by means of a GPS receiver, an assisted GPSreceiver, an inertial monitoring unit or a wireless location signalreceiver which receives short range location signals containing dataindicating locations of their respective transmitters. In certainembodiments, the signals used for this purpose are obtained from acellular telephone system, Wi-Fi access points, Bluetooth device or aTV-GPS receiver, such as the TV-GPS devices developed by RosumCorporation.

The portable monitor 200 receives the location data at 216 for use inconfirming publication usage data received by the interface 212. Forexample, if the location data indicates that the participant is walkingor running along a sidewalk, a road or within a park, such location dataimplies that the participant is probably not reading a publication whosedata is then received by the monitor 200. However, if the location dataindicates that the participant is home or on a train, this location dataimplies that the participant may well be reading a publication, and thustends to confirm the validity of publication usage data received by themonitor 200 at that time. In certain embodiments, monitor 200 confirmsthe accuracy of the received publication usage data. In certain otherembodiments, monitor 200 stores the location data along with thepublication usage data, for later downloading to a centralizedprocessor. The centralized processor thereafter confirms or verifies theaccuracy of the publication usage data utilizing the location data. Incertain embodiments, both time and location information is stored inmonitor 200, with each publication usage data, for later handling by thecentralized processor.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a publication 300 having a first datasensor 310 and a second data sensor 320 therein or thereon. First sensor310 senses a selected one of translational movement, deformation,grasping, proximity of the publication to a person and exposure of thepublication. Second data sensor 320 senses one of translationalmovement, deformation, grasping, proximity of the publication to aperson and exposure of the publication, other than the event orcondition sensed by the first data sensor 310. The first and second datasensors are coupled with a wireless transmitter 330 to communicate thedata sensed by the first and second data sensors to a portable monitoror other data collection system. In certain embodiments, transmitter 330processes the received data, for example, to reduce noise or else todetect components therein indicating an event or condition being sensed.The transmitter 330 either wirelessly transmits the processed signal toa monitor or other data collector, or transmits the signal received fromthe transducer substantially unchanged. In certain embodiments, wirelesstransmitter 330 transmits or is enabled to transmit usage data when thecharacteristic sensed by the first data sensor 310 (or the second datasensor 320) falls within a predetermined range. In certain embodiments,wireless transmitter 330 transmits or is enabled to transmit usage datawhen the both the respective characteristics sensed by the first andsecond data sensors 310 and 320 falls within respective predeterminedranges. In certain ones of these embodiments, the same interval of timeis utilized for sensing by both the first and second data sensors 310and 320. In other embodiments, different intervals of time are utilized.

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a system for producing a signaturerepresenting a publication or a portion 400 thereof. The signatureserves to identify the publication or its portion, such as anadvertisement in a publication. In FIG. 10, portion 400 comprises anadvertisement for a fictional product, POW! Cola. In certain embodimentsthe publication or a portion thereof is printed in conductive ink and anenergy emitter 420 of the system of FIG. 10 emits RF or otherelectromagnetic energy toward the publication 400, under the control ofa processor 410. The conductive image on the publication 400 reacts tothe received energy to reflect portions thereof and/or store, modify andretransmit portions thereof to a receiver 430. Receiver 430 provides itsreceived data, including data representing energy received from thepublication 400, to processor 410 which analyzes such data to extractportions thereof based on frequency, amplitude, phase or other signalcharacteristics and produce a set of data therefrom which characterizesthe publication or portion thereof that was exposed to theelectromagnetic energy. This set of data is stored in storage 440 alongwith associated data identifying the publication or portion thereof orotherwise characterizing one or the other.

In this manner, a library of signatures identifying or characterizingpublications or portions thereof, such as advertisements, is created.With reference to FIG. 11, in conducting a publication usage study,participants are provided with portable monitors, such as monitor 500shown schematically in block diagram format. Monitor 500 includes anenergy emitter 510 which emits energy of the same kind as the system ofFIG. 10 in order to cause a publication or portion thereof 520 toreflect or transmit energy to a receiver 530 in the monitor 500. Aprocessor 540 in monitor 500 extracts a signature in the same manner asprocessor 410 of FIG. 10 and either stores the same for later processingin storage 550, or else attempts to match it with a reference signaturein the library of reference signatures representing publications andportions of publications developed by the system of FIG. 10 and storedin storage 550. When such a match occurs, it is determined that theparticipant carrying the portable monitor which gathered the signature,was exposed to the publication or portion thereof. When such a matchoccurs, the data associated with the reference signature is stored instorage 550 with or without an indication of the participant forproducing reports concerning usage thereof. A communication interface560 is provided in monitor 500 to either communicate signatures gatheredby monitor 500 to a centralized processor for matching with referencesignatures, or else to communicate match data for use in producingreports on publication usage.

With reference again to FIG. 11, the monitor 500 also includes a mediadata sensor 570 which serves to collect data concerning exposure of theparticipant to media data. In certain embodiments, the media data sensor570 comprises a microphone to pick up audio media data which it suppliesto the processor 540 for producing data concerning exposure of theparticipant to audio media data and associated other data, such as videodata. In certain embodiments, the sensor 570 comprises a light detectorto pick up remote control signals indicating selection of a channel orother source of media data. In certain embodiments, sensor 570 is an RFreceiver that picks up RF energy indicating media data selected forexposure to the participant. In each case, processor 540 produces mediadata exposure data which it stores in storage 550 to provide records ofmedia data to which the participant was exposed. Preferably, both thepublication usage data and media data exposure data are stored alongwith a time stamp indicating times of usage or exposure, as appropriate.The time stamp is obtained from a single clock (not shown for purposesof simplicity and clarity) so that the time stamps are all provided onthe same time base. In certain embodiments, monitor 500 includescircuitry for receiving position signals so that the location of monitor500 can be identified and associated with the data stored in storage550.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a system for gathering dataconcerning usage of an exemplary publication 1000 by a person. Thepublication 1000 includes two or more pages, of which pages 1010 and1020 are illustrated in FIG. 12. The pages of the publication are joinedat a spine 1030 of the publication, whether by an adhesive, a fasteneror fasteners, thread or otherwise.

A data gathering system 1040 is included in the publication 1000 andincludes a substrate 1050 having an inner portion 1060 joined to thepublication 1000 at the binding 1030. The system 1040 further includes apiezoelectric transducer 1070 in or on the substrate 1050 and having atleast a portion within or joined to the spine 1030 of the publication1000. Forces experienced by the spine 1030 will thus be experienced bythe piezoelectric transducer 1070, so that it will produce electricalenergy characterizing such forces. In certain embodiments, piezoelectrictransducer 1070 comprises one or more layers, such as piezoelectricpolymer or ceramic material, printed on substrate 1050.

The transducer 1070 is coupled with a main module 1080 of the system1040 to supply transducer output data thereto. In certain embodiments,the transducer output data is input to main module 1080 as electricalenergy, as a signal with or without energy transfer, and/or as an inputto control a switch or other input device. A partially schematic diagramof the main module 1080 is illustrated in FIG. 13, which includes aprocessor 1090, a power source 1100 coupled with the processor 1090 tosupply power thereto for operating the system 1040, a storage 1110coupled with the processor to supply stored data to the processor 1090and/or to store data provided thereby, a clock/timer circuit 1092coupled with processor 1090, a first sensor 1120 and a second sensor1130 each coupled with the processor 1090 to supply data theretoassociated with usage of the publication 1000 by a person, an RF module1140 coupled with processor 1090 to receive power therefrom over a line1094 and to input to and/or output data from, processor 1090 over a line1096, and an antenna 1150 coupled with RF module 1140 to radiate and/orreceive RF energy from or to, RF module 1140. Processor 1090 also has aninput 1160 coupled with piezoelectric transducer 1070 to receive itsoutput.

Substrate 1050 comprises one or more sheets of suitable material such aspaper, plastic, cloth or other material. In certain embodiments, powersource 1100 comprises a printable cell or cells, or a thin film cell orcells, either printed on substrate 1050 or preassembled and adhesivelyaffixed thereto. In certain embodiments, processor 1090 and storage 1110comprise flip chip components having matching terminals enabling them tobe placed one over the other and interconnected. In certain embodiments,RF module 1140 comprises a transmitter to transmit data wirelessly fromthe system 1040, while in certain embodiments, RF module 1140 comprisesa transceiver for transmitting data as well as for receiving data, suchas control data and/or programming data.

In certain embodiments, first sensor 1120 comprises a disposition datasensor operative to provide output data representing disposition data ofthe system 1040, and therefore, of the publication 1000. In certain onesof such embodiments, first sensor 1120 comprises an accelerometer and/ora motion sensor. In certain embodiments, second sensor 1130 comprises aphotosensor operative to provide output data representing exposure ofthe sensor to light. In certain embodiments, depending on the nature ofsensors 1120 and 1130, processor 1090 supplies power to one or both, asneeded via connections thereto (not shown for purposes of simplicity andclarity). In certain embodiments, the components are interconnected onsubstrate 1050 by means of patterns of conductive ink printed on thesubstrate.

The clock/timer circuit 1092, in certain embodiments, is separate fromthe processor 1090, while in others it is internal to processor 1090. Incertain embodiments, clock/timer circuit 1092 supplies clock pulses forsynchronizing the operations of processor 1090. In certain embodiments,clock/timer circuit 1092 provides time data, reflecting either arelative time or real time. In certain ones of such embodiments, thetime stamp is stored with sensor data or processed data derived fromsensor data in storage 1110 to provide a time base for evaluating suchdata, in system 1040 and/or in a processor exterior to system 1040. Incertain ones of the foregoing embodiments, the clock pulses and/or timedata are used by the processor 1090 to evaluate raw data from one ormore of sensors 1120 and 1130 and piezoelectric transducer 1070 in orderto assess whether it represents publication usage activity by a personor not. For example, a single pulse of energy from piezoelectrictransducer 1070 or sensor 1120 isolated in time from other such pulsesgenerally is seen as not related to publication usage. However, repeatedpulses from transducer 1070 or sensor 1120 are more likely to representpublication usage, such as a person turning the pages of a magazine, andmay be regarded as an indication of such usage. Other characteristics ofsuch pulses, such as pulse width, magnitude and/or frequency are alsoused in various embodiments to evaluate the likelihood that such pulsesrepresent publication usage by a person. These characteristics alsoprovide an indication of the manner of usage by the person. That is,relatively wide pulses (that is, pulses having a greater time duration),reflect slower page turning and a greater likelihood that the personusing the magazine or other publication is paying greater attention toits contents. Narrower pulses can reflect less attention given to thecontents of the publication, where, for example, the person is scanningthe publication in a waiting room to “kill time” and is impatient.

A detected combination of sensor or transducer outputs indicatingongoing motion of, stress to or acceleration of the publication,together with an output from a light sensor, such as second sensor 1130in the same time period, provide a strong indication that thepublication is being used by a person and that the person has opened thepublication between the pages where the system 1040 is affixed. Incertain embodiments, the system 1040 stores the raw sensor data togetherwith a time stamp in storage 1110 to be communicated to a data collectorsubsequently. In certain embodiments, the system 1040 selectively storessuch raw data with a time stamp only when processor 1090 determines froman evaluation of such data that there is a sufficient probability theraw data represents publication usage. In certain embodiments, theprocessor 1090 processes the raw data using the clock pulses or timebase provided by circuit 1092 or its internal clock to determine whetherthe raw data represents publication usage and/or the nature of suchusage and produces data representing such usage which it stores instorage 1110 with or without a time stamp. In certain embodiments,processor 1090 transmits the raw or processed data directly to a datacollector via RF module 1140 without storing it in storage 1110.

In certain embodiments, system 1040 receives publication usage datathrough communications received by RF module 1040. In certainembodiments, such data includes data communicated by a publisher ordistributor indicating that the publication including system 1040 isbeing mailed or otherwise delivered to a subscriber or to a news standor retailer of publications, or else identifies the type of subscribersuch as a residential subscriber, library, academic institution orbusiness organization, or provides a date stamp. Such data can alsoinclude data communicated by a news stand, retailer, library, shipper orother intermediary indicating its identity, location, a date stamp, andwhether the publication was sold, given away or discarded.

With reference again to FIG. 12, the system 1040 wirelessly transmits toand/or receives data from a portable monitor 1170 carried on the personof a respondent in ongoing market research including gathering dataconcerning exposure of the respondent/panelist to the publication 1000including the system 1040, as well as other publications includingsimilar devices. The portable monitor 1170 serves to store datarepresenting data received from system 1040 as well as other suchdevices and subsequently communicates such data and/or a processedversion thereof, along with data identifying the monitor and/orrespondent, to a processing facility 1180 that gathers and processessuch data from multiple monitors such as portable monitor 1170. Incertain embodiments, the system 1040 transmits data to monitor 1170comprising usage data relating to usage by the particular respondentcarrying the monitor 1170, which monitor 1170 stores. In certainembodiments, the system 1040 stores and later transmits data to monitor1170 comprising usage data relating to usage by persons other than theparticular respondent carrying the monitor 1170, which monitor 1170stores. In certain embodiments, the system 1040 stores and latertransmits data to monitor 1170 data that has been communicated to system1040 by a publisher, distributor, news stand, publication retailer,library, academic institution, business organization, or the like, andstored in the system 1040. In certain embodiments, communication betweenthe system 1040 and monitor 1170 is used as an indication of proximityof the person carrying the monitor to the publication. In certainembodiments, the receipt of data by monitor 1170 from system 1040 and/orthe receipt of data by system 1040 from monitor 1170 is used as anindication of proximity of the person carrying the monitor 1170 to thepublication 1000. This data indicating proximity, in certainembodiments, is treated as publication usage data

FIG. 14 provides a block diagram of an embodiment of portable monitor1170. The monitor is housed in a suitable enclosure 1172, such asenclosures of the kind or size which house a cellular telephone, apager, PDA, or portable media player, or an enclosure such as awristwatch, key fob or article of jewelry. Overall operation of theportable monitor is controlled by a processor 1175. Data communicationswith system 1040 are carried out by monitor 1170 by means of an RFcommunications module 1178 coupled with processor 1175 to receivecontrol data therefrom and to receive from and/or provide data to,processor 1175, for transmission to system 1040 or received therefrom.Processor 1175 is also coupled with storage 1185 to store data thereinor retrieve data therefrom. Such data includes data received frompublication usage monitoring systems such as system 1040. From time totime, portable monitor 1170 communicates its stored data to theprocessing facility 1180 via communications 1190.

In certain embodiments, monitor 1170 includes a media usage monitoringsystem 1195 which serves to monitor usage and/or exposure of the personcarrying the monitor 1170 to media. For monitoring exposure to audiomedia, media usage monitoring 1195 preferably comprises a PPM™ systemsupplied by Arbitron Inc. of Columbia, Md., USA. In certain embodiments,the media usage monitoring system comprises an audio signatureextraction system and/or an ancillary code decoder for monitoringexposure to audio media. In certain embodiments, the media usagemonitoring system 1195 comprises a microphone to pick up audio mediadata which it supplies to the processor 1175 for producing dataconcerning exposure of the participant to audio media data andassociated other data, such as video data. In certain embodiments, thesystem 1195 comprises a light detector to pick up remote control signalsindicating selection of a channel or other source of media data. Incertain embodiments, system 1195 comprises a receiver that picks up RFor intermediate-frequency energy indicating media data selected forexposure to the participant. In certain embodiments, system 1195comprises manually-operable switches or other manually-operable devicesused by the respondent to input media exposure data. In each case,processor 1175 produces media data exposure data which it stores instorage 1085 to provide records of media data to which the participantwas exposed. Preferably, both the publication usage data and media dataexposure data are stored along with a time stamp indicating times ofusage, exposure and/or receipt, as appropriate. The time stamppreferably, but not necessarily, is obtained from a single clock (notshown for purposes of simplicity and clarity) so that the time stampsare all provided on the same time base.

In certain embodiments, monitor 1170 includes a disposition data source1198 to provide data representing disposition of the monitor 1170. Incertain ones of such embodiments, the disposition data source 1198comprises a motion detector which produces data representingacceleration, velocity, speed or movement, from which a correspondingcondition of the respondent may be inferred. Such data is supplied toprocessor 1175 which evaluates the data to assess the person's activity,such as sitting, standing, walking, and/or running, and/or to assess theperson's environment, such as a train or automobile in motion, andaircraft in flight, and/or a stationary environment. In certain ones ofsuch embodiments, the disposition data source 1198 comprises a locationdetector, such as a GPS receiver, a terrestrial signal receiver orinertial monitor, which produces data representing a location of themonitor 1170, from which a location of the respondent may be inferred.Such data is supplied to processor 1175 which evaluates the data toassess whether the monitor and/or respondent is at home, at work, at aretail store, place of amusement or other public place, moving from astationary location or at a location other than a prior location. Theprocessor 1175 stores data representing one or more of the foregoingactivities, conditions and/or locations in storage 1185, from which suchdata is subsequently accessed for communication to facility 1180.

FIG. 15 provides a flow chart illustrating a data gathering processemployed in certain embodiments of the system 1040 of FIGS. 12 and 13.Initially, the system operates in a “sleep” mode 1200 in which itmonitors data produced by piezoelectric transducer 1070 and/or firstsensor 1120 acting as a motion sensor. In the sleep mode, processor 1090evaluates such data for patterns indicating a possibility that thepublication 1000 is in use by a person. In certain embodiments, suchpatterns are recognized by the nature of the stresses experienced by thepiezoelectric transducer 1070. For example, if a person repeatedly turnsthe pages of the publication 1000, this is manifested as a series ofenergy pulses output by the transducer 1070. If such pulses are receivedrepeatedly by processor 1090 for a predetermined period of time, this isdeemed to be qualified motion (1210) and processor 1090 switches to an“awake” mode at 1220. In this step, processor 1090 also resets aninternal timer which then counts toward a predetermined count valuerepresenting a predetermined time period. After step 1220, processor1090 checks the timer to see if it has reached the predetermined count,that is, whether the timer has “timed out”. Since the timer has justbeen reset, processing continues to step 1240.

In the awake mode, processor 1090, as indicated at 1240, monitors theoutput from the second sensor 1130 for data indicating exposure tolight, indicating that the publication has been opened between pages1010 and 1020. If this occurs, the processor 1090 produces datarepresenting this occurrence and at 1250 causes the RF module 1140 totransmit such data for receipt by a portable monitor 1170, if it iswithin range. Such data is transmitted repeatedly so long as light isdetected by the second sensor 1130 and qualified motion is also found byprocessor 1090 to repeat within a predetermined period of time. If suchmotion is not found within the predetermined period of time so that step1220 is bypassed and the timer is not reset, it is considered that thepublication 1000 is no longer in use and the system 1040 causes the RFmodule 1140 to cease transmitting data and the system 1040 reverts toits sleep mode, as indicated at 1230.

In certain embodiments, the system 1040 follows a different datagathering process illustrated in FIG. 16, wherein the system 1040initially operates in a sleep mode in which processor 1090 evaluatesreceived data for qualified motion (1310). When qualified motion is thusfound, processor 1090 resets an internal timer which then begins tocount toward a predetermined count value representing a predeterminedtime period. In a step 1320, processor 1090 accesses a code from storage1110 corresponding to the detected motion event and controls RF module1140 to transmit the code for receipt by a portable monitor 1170 if oneis within range, as indicated at 1320.

In a step 1330, the processor 1090 again evaluates received data forqualified motion. If it is present, in step 1340 processor 1090 resetsthe timer and then checks in a step 1350 for receipt of data from thesecond sensor 1130 indicating exposure to light. If, however, qualifiedmotion is not detected in step 1330, in a step 1360 the processor 1090determines whether the internal timer has reached the predeterminedcount. If not, it checks for exposure to light in step 1350. But if thetimer has reached its predetermined count indicating that thepublication 1000 is no longer in use, as detected in step 1360, thesystem 1040 returns to its sleep mode 1300.

Where light is not detected in step 1350, processing returns to step1320 to continue transmitting Code 1, to indicate that the publication1000 is in use, although not opened between pages 1010 and 1020. If,however, light is detected in step 1350, in a step 1370, processor 1090controls RF module 1140 to transmit a different code, Code 2, indicatingthat the publication 1000 is in use and is opened between pages 1010 and1020.

After controlling RF module 1140 to transmit Code 2, processor 1090again checks for a continuation of qualified motion in a step 1380. Ifqualified motion is found, processor 1090 resets the timer in a step1390 and then returns to step 1350 to determine if light is still beingreceived by the second sensor 1130. If qualified motion is not detectedin step 1380, processor 1090 determines in a step 1396 whether the timerhas timed out. If not, processing returns to step 1350 to check forlight detection. But if the timer has reached its predetermined countbefore qualified motion has been detected, the system 1040 returns toits sleep mode 1300.

In certain embodiments, the system 1040 follows a still different datagathering process illustrated in FIG. 17, wherein the system 1040initially operates in a sleep mode 1400 in which processor 1090evaluates received data for qualified motion (1410). In the absence of adetection of qualified motion by processor 1090, the system remains insleep mode 1400. But in the event that processor 1090 detects qualifiedmotion, it controls RF module 1140 to transmit data for receipt by anyportable monitor 1170 within range, to inform the monitor that, ineffect, “Here I am”. System 1040 waits for receipt of a response frommonitor 1170. In the absence of such a response, as indicated in a step1430, the system returns to the sleep mode to check once again forqualified motion.

However, if system 1040 receives a response from a portable monitor,such as monitor 1170, processor 1090 then checks the second sensor 1130for data indicating light exposure as indicated in step 1440. In theabsence of light detection, processor 1090 controls RF module 1140 totransmit data to monitor 1170 to convey this information. See step 1450.In a subsequent step 1460, processor 1090 again checks for qualifiedmotion. If such motion is detected, processor 1090 resets the timer andprocessing returns to step 1440 to check for light detection. Ifqualified motion is not detected in step 1460, in a step 1470, processor1090 checks to see if the timer has timed out. If not, processing alsoreturns to step 1440 to check for light. However, if qualified motion isnot continuing and the timer has timed out, the system returns to thesleep mode 1400.

If light is detected in step 1440, in a step 1480 an indication of suchdetection is stored by processor 1090 in storage 1110, and processor1090 then checks for continued qualified motion In a step 1484. If suchmotion is detected, the processor again checks for exposure to light ina step 1488. However, if either qualified motion is not detected in step1484 or if exposure to light is not detected in step 1488, processingreturns to step 1430 to check again for a response from a monitor 1170.If such a response has been received, processing continues to step 1440;otherwise, system 1040 returns to the sleep mode to monitor for theoccurrence of further qualified motion.

It will be seen from FIG. 17 as well as from the discussion above, thatin certain embodiments, the portable monitor 1170 provides data to thesystem 1040 to control its operation. In certain embodiments, themonitor 1170 provides parameters to the system 1040 to assist it indetecting publication usage by the respondent corresponding to themonitor 1170, such as the respondent's demographics and/or preferencesin publication usage or data based on the foregoing to assist system1040 in determining a likelihood that the publication 1000 is in use bythe respondent when usage-type data is received by processor 1090 fromthe sensors 1120 and 1130 the transducer 1070. Such parameters suppliedby the monitor 1170 to the system 1040 in certain embodiments includeparameters indicating the characteristics of the particular respondent'stypical usage of publications, such as data indicating thecharacteristic stresses and dispositions imposed on a publication by theparticular respondent carrying the monitor 1170 when using apublication. In certain embodiments, the monitor 1170 provides updatedor modified programming to the system 1040 which it stores in storage1110 for controlling its operations. These embodiments enableimprovements to be incorporated in the system 1040 without replacing it,which normally would not be practical if it is already incorporated intoa publication, or where it is desired to avoid replacing the stocks ofsystems 1040 already in the hands of publishers and any others whoincorporate them in publications.

Although various embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, featuresand the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possiblearrangements or features, and indeed many other embodiments,modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill inthe art.

1. A method of gathering data concerning usage of a publication by aperson, comprising: providing usage data representing usage of apublication by a person; storing the usage data in storage in or on thepublication; and communicating the stored usage data from the storageupon the occurrence of a predetermined condition.
 2. A system forgathering data concerning usage of a publication by a person,comprising: a data source in or on the publication and operative toprovide usage data representing usage of the publication by a person;storage in or on the publication operative to store the usage data; anda communications device operative to communicate the stored usage datafrom the storage upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition. 3.The system of claim 2, wherein the data source comprises a sensor. 4.The system of claim 2, wherein the data source comprises a datareceiver.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the data receiver comprisesa wireless receiver.